2026 Best Value Science & Tech Schools in Colorado
Looking for the best-value Science & Tech degree programs in Colorado? We have ranked 86 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated 31 schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Colorado
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Aims Community College earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in Colorado. This public school is set in Greeley, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,258, compared with $11,786 for out-of-state students. Aims Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $11,199 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,887. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Aims Community College
You'll get strong value at Arapahoe Community College, which ranked #2 this year. Based in Littleton, CO, Arapahoe Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,434, compared with $17,034 for out-of-state students. Arapahoe Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $20,448 in debt. Arapahoe Community College alumni report median earnings of $48,341 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,448 median debt. Get the full Arapahoe Community College report
A rank of #3 makes Front Range Community College one of the best values in Colorado. This public school is set in Westminster, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,663, while out-of-state students pay about $17,263. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $17,384. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,910 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,384 median debt. Get the full Front Range Community College report
Red Rocks Community College came in at #4 on this year's best-value Science & Tech ranking in Colorado. Set in Lakewood, CO, Red Rocks Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,859, while out-of-state students pay about $17,459. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $14,471. Median earnings reach $46,288 ten years out. Set against $14,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Red Rocks Community College report
You'll get strong value at Pikes Peak Community College, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Colorado Springs, CO, Pikes Peak Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,510 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,110. The median Science & Tech program debt is $16,066. Median earnings reach $40,796 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,066 median debt. Read more about Pikes Peak Community College
Community College Of Aurora placed #6 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Colorado. Based in Aurora, CO, Community College Of Aurora is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,470, while out-of-state students pay about $17,070. The median Science & Tech program debt is $15,365. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,592 ten years after entry. Set against $15,365 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Community College Of Aurora profile
Morgan Community College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Fort Morgan, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $4,252, compared with $16,852 for out-of-state students. Morgan Community College Science & Tech students take on a median of $11,746 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,429. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Morgan Community College profile
Otero Junior College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in La Junta, CO, Otero Junior College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,560, with out-of-state students paying around $7,270. The median Science & Tech program debt is $21,759. Otero Junior College alumni report median earnings of $39,018 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,759 median debt. Get the full Otero Junior College report
Trinidad State Junior College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Located in Trinidad, CO, Trinidad State Junior College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,608, while out-of-state students pay about $7,318. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $10,502. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,475. That is a strong return on a $10,502 median debt. Read the full report on Trinidad State Junior College
Colorado Mountain College placed #10 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Colorado. Located in Glenwood Springs, CO, Colorado Mountain College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,616, while out-of-state students pay about $12,840. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $12,953. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,127. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Colorado Mountain College
Community College Of Denver came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Located in Denver, CO, Community College Of Denver is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,058 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,658 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $18,830. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,095 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,830 median debt. Get the full Community College Of Denver report
Pueblo Community College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Pueblo, CO, Pueblo Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,049, while out-of-state students pay about $17,649. Students borrow a median of $14,106 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,434 ten years after entry. Set against $14,106 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Pueblo Community College
Colorado State University Global Campus ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Colorado State University Global Campus is a public school based in Denver, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,000. The median Science & Tech program debt is $31,361. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,813 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $31,361 median debt. Colorado State University Global Campus has an acceptance rate of 98%. More on Colorado State University Global Campus
Northeastern Junior College placed #14 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Colorado. This public school is set in Sterling, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,730, with out-of-state students paying around $8,267. The median Science & Tech program debt is $13,156. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,893 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Northeastern Junior College profile
University Of Colorado Denver placed #15 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Colorado. Set in Denver, CO, University Of Colorado Denver is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,383, while out-of-state students pay about $29,391. University Of Colorado Denver Science & Tech students take on a median of $26,582 in debt. Median earnings reach $64,270 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,582 median debt. University Of Colorado Denver admits about 75% of applicants. Read more about University Of Colorado Denver
Colorado State University Fort Collins came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fort Collins, CO, Colorado State University Fort Collins is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,373, compared with $35,061 for out-of-state students. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $22,843. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,543 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,843 median debt. Colorado State University Fort Collins has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Colorado State University Fort Collins
University Of Colorado Boulder ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Set in Boulder, CO, University Of Colorado Boulder is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,214, compared with $42,970 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,373 in student loans. University Of Colorado Boulder alumni report median earnings of $69,738 a decade after entry. Set against $20,373 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Colorado Boulder has an acceptance rate of 78%. See the full University Of Colorado Boulder profile
Colorado State University Pueblo landed the #18 spot for value in Colorado this year. Colorado State University Pueblo is a public school based in Pueblo, CO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,720, with out-of-state students paying around $17,944. Colorado State University Pueblo Science & Tech students take on a median of $25,325 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,563 ten years after entry. Set against $25,325 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Colorado State University Pueblo profile
Mesa State College offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Grand Junction, CO, Mesa State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,927, while out-of-state students pay about $25,124. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $22,310. Median earnings reach $45,823 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,310 median debt. Mesa State College has an acceptance rate of 82%. Get the full Mesa State College report
Adams State College placed #19 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Colorado. Based in Alamosa, CO, Adams State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,824, with out-of-state students paying around $21,944. The median Science & Tech program debt is $25,523. Median earnings reach $44,372 ten years out. Set against $25,523 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Adams State College
University Of Northern Colorado ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Located in Greeley, CO, University Of Northern Colorado is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,901, while out-of-state students pay about $26,979. University Of Northern Colorado Science & Tech students take on a median of $23,974 in debt. University Of Northern Colorado alumni report median earnings of $52,231 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Northern Colorado
Fort Lewis College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in Durango, CO, Fort Lewis College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,958, while out-of-state students pay about $21,526. Graduates carry a median of $18,888 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,349 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,888 median debt. Fort Lewis College has an acceptance rate of 77%. Get the full Fort Lewis College report
Metropolitan State College Of Denver placed #23 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Colorado. Set in Denver, CO, Metropolitan State College Of Denver is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,124, with out-of-state students paying around $30,684. Graduates carry a median of $27,484 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,093 ten years after entry. Set against $27,484 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Metropolitan State College Of Denver report
Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Colorado Springs, CO. Students from in state pay about $12,750 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $39,095 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Median earnings reach $37,180 ten years out. Set against $39,095 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs
Colorado School Of Mines placed #24 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Colorado. Located in Golden, CO, Colorado School Of Mines is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,914, with out-of-state students paying around $45,824. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $24,521. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $97,335. Set against $24,521 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Colorado School Of Mines has an acceptance rate of 61%. Read more about Colorado School Of Mines
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Science & Tech Degree Schools in Colorado
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs landed the #26 spot for value in Colorado this year. Located in Colorado Springs, CO, University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,906, with out-of-state students paying around $25,039. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $23,559. University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs alumni report median earnings of $54,659 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%. See the full University Of Colorado At Colorado Springs profile
Western State College Of Colorado offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Gunnison, CO, Western State College Of Colorado is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,318, while out-of-state students pay about $24,434. Typical Science & Tech student debt is $23,455. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,833 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Western State College Of Colorado profile
Regis University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in Denver, CO, Regis University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,140. Students borrow a median of $31,773 to complete their Science & Tech program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,105. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on Regis University
Colorado Christian University placed #29 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Colorado. Located in Lakewood, CO, Colorado Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,846. Graduates carry a median of $36,092 in student loans. Colorado Christian University alumni report median earnings of $50,416 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $36,092 median debt. See the full Colorado Christian University profile
Colorado College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Colorado Springs, CO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,734. Graduates carry a median of $17,921 in student loans. Colorado College alumni report median earnings of $65,222 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 18% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Colorado College report
University Of Denver placed #31 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Colorado. This private not-for-profit school is set in Denver, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,398. Students borrow a median of $22,534 to complete their Science & Tech program here. University Of Denver alumni report median earnings of $71,155 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,534 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Denver profile
Cheeks International Academy Of Beauty Culture Fort Collins placed #32 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Colorado. See the full Cheeks International Academy Of Beauty Culture Fort Collins profile
Pima Medical Institute Denver ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. Read the full report on Pima Medical Institute Denver
The Salon Professional Academy Colorado Springs offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Read more about The Salon Professional Academy Colorado Springs
Concorde Career College Aurora placed #35 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Colorado. More on Concorde Career College Aurora
Rocky Mountain College Of Art And Design offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Read the full report on Rocky Mountain College Of Art And Design
Stacey James Institute landed the #37 spot for value in Colorado this year. Get the full Stacey James Institute report
Intellitec College Colorado Springs offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Read more about Intellitec College Colorado Springs
Rocky Vista University landed the #39 spot for value in Colorado this year. More on Rocky Vista University
Colorado School Of Trades ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. See the full Colorado School Of Trades profile
Institute Of Business And Medical Careers landed the #41 spot for value in Colorado this year. Read the full report on Institute Of Business And Medical Careers
Colorado Academy Of Veterinary Technology ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. See the full Colorado Academy Of Veterinary Technology profile
Paul Mitchell The School Denver ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Science & Tech schools. More on Paul Mitchell The School Denver
Pickens Technical College landed the #44 spot for value in Colorado this year. Read more about Pickens Technical College
Xenon International Academy Denver placed #45 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Colorado. Get the full Xenon International Academy Denver report
Institute Of Taoist Education And Acupuncture offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Read more about Institute Of Taoist Education And Acupuncture
Paul Mitchell The School Colorado Springs offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Get the full Paul Mitchell The School Colorado Springs report
Rolf Institute Of Structural Integration came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. More on Rolf Institute Of Structural Integration
Bel Rea Institute Of Animal Technology came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Read more about Bel Rea Institute Of Animal Technology
Denver School Of Nursing placed #50 among the best-value Science & Tech schools in Colorado. See the full Denver School Of Nursing profile
More Science & Tech Value Rankings
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Best Colleges For Money · Scope: State · 31 schools evaluated. *Averages shown above reflect the top 86 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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